By Pete DiPrimio
IUHoosiers.com
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Hoosier hype is out there, and excitement follows in mega-dose waves.
Yes, it’s still June, five months before basketball season begins, but Cream ‘n Crimson passion never fades.
Especially with these kinds of prospects.
Ever since All-America Trayce Jackson-Davis announced his return last month, clinching Indiana’s status as way-too-early Big Ten title favorite, Hoosier nation is revved up as it hasn’t been since 2012, when it basked in top-ranked accolades.
Still, nothing is guaranteed.
Race Thompson understands this. Five previous college seasons, only one of which produced NCAA tourney opportunity (last spring’s 21-14 effort), sharpened his perspective and resolve.
“We’ve got to put in the work,” the senior forward says.
He shares leadership responsibility with Jackson-Davis and veteran guard Xavier Johnson. They are driven to provide tough-minded guidance, especially for the heralded newcomer group of C.J. Gunn, Kaleb Banks, Malik Reneau and Jalen Hood-Schifino.
“With me, Xavier and Trayce coming back,” Thompson says, “we’ve got to be leaders. We’ve got to show our teammates the ropes.”
Last season’s strong finish in coach Mike Woodson‘s first season — reaching the semifinals of the Big Ten tourney and winning their opening NCAA Tournament game — provides the blueprint.
“Showing them what we did last year,” Thompson says, “how it worked for us, why it worked for us, watching film, things like that just really help show the younger guys what it’s about because it’s definitely a faster pace, it’s definitely stronger guys, better players.
“The freshmen are going to really be able to help us. It comes down to us three really being leaders and showing them how it’s done because we’ve done it. We’re trying to be better so we can get those guys, and everybody else, on board with us. Make sure they’re bought into the program and Coach Woodson and all our other coaches so we can do something special.”
Leadership includes bonding and chemistry.
“It’s continuing to build relationships with them before anything,” Thompson says. “If you don’t have a relationship with your teammates, you don’t really have anything.
“I’m just continuing to get to know them, get more comfortable around them, make them more comfortable around…
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